The 1980s produced some of the most beloved and renowned movies of all time. From comedy to horror to action, 80s movies of all genres have come to be considered classics, leaving their mark on viewers of the past and present.

However, regardless of if the film is considered the best of the best, some movies include individual scenes that are so impactful, they seem to define the generation. Maybe it’s because it’s visually pleasing, or maybe it’s because it adds something new to the plot; whatever the reason, some scenes have been considered so iconic and groundbreaking that their image is forever imprinted on the public conscience, still being referenced in pop culture today. From Back to the Future to Scarface, we rank the most iconic movie scenes of the 80s.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

10 The Terminator (1984)

     Orion Pictures

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his roles as a macho-man, but perhaps none more career-defining than his role in The Terminator. When Arnold’s titular character is barred from entering a police station, he utters the words “I’ll be back.” Eventually, the terminator keeps his word by driving directly into the station. The line has become synonymous with Arnold’s body of work and helped create a memorable moment in this high-action thriller.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

9 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

     Paramount Pictures

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows three teens as they play hooky during their final days of high school. The titular character, Ferris, is the leading man of the group; his confidence in his ability to get away with everything and laid back attitude eventually lead him to become the center-focus of a parade. Ferris sings and dances for the crowd of spectators, leaving viewers with an entertaining and memorable scene from this classic comedy.

8 Risky Business (1983)

     Geffen Pictures

Risky Business tells the story of a young teen who turns his home into a brothel while his parents are out of town. In a now iconic scene, Tom Cruise’s character, Joel, celebrates having the house to himself by dancing and singing to classic rock. What makes this scene special is Joel’s outfit; donning a collared shirt and socks, this specific look was highly popularized by the film.

7 Back to the Future (1985)

     Universal Pictures

1985’s Back to the Future tells the story of Marty McFly, a teen boy who is sent back in time only and accidentally changes the course of history when he encounters his teen parents. When Marty plays with the band onstage at a school dance in order to solidify his parent’s romance, he introduces the school to the future of rock music. Here, one of the main conflicts of the film is resolved, leaving viewers satisfied and entertained by an iconic musical performance.

6 Dirty Dancing (1987)

     Vestron Pictures

In 1987’s Dirty Dancing, the final scene saw Baby and Johnny perform their dance routine for a room full of spectators, including Baby’s family. One of the most impressive and widely-recognized dance moves happens when Johnny lifts Baby into the air, showing how much the two have honed their skills and talent.

5 Breakfast Club (1985)

1985’s Breakfast Club follows a group of high schoolers as they sit through detention. Each member of the group is part of a different social circle, but in the end, they all come together and are able to explore their unique identities. In the final scene of the movie, main character Judd Nelson leaves detention, throwing his fist into the air as a sign of his character growth and victory over the stereotypes placed upon him.

4 Scarface (1983)

Al Pacino is a complete powerhouse in 1983’s Scarface. In a now iconic scene, Al’s character Tony Montana unloads his weapon onto an army of enemies looking to kill him. As he does so, he shouts the now famous line while wielding his gun, “Say hello to my little friend.” The scene was action-packed and exciting, but also produced one of the most widely recognized movie quotes of all time.

3 The Shining (1980)

     Warner Bros.

The Shining may be the only horror movie on this list, however, it is responsible for one of the most notorious scenes in cinematic history. In the scene, Mr. Torrance yells out “Here’s Johnny” while beating down a door with an ax. The line was in reference to the Johnny Carson show, and was actually said off-script by lead actor Jack Nicholson!

2 The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

     Lucasfilm 

The Star Wars Saga grew in popularity in the late 1970s. However, in 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back, one of the most quotable and iconic scenes of the entire franchise came to be. When Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader finally come face to face, the Sith Lord reveals to Luke a horrifying truth about their relationship: “No, I am your father.” The Star Wars Saga is in some part defined by this moment; even viewers who have never seen a single Star Wars film can quote this iconic line.

1 E.T. (1982)

     Amblin Entertainment

The top spot on this list rightfully belongs to E.T.’s bicycle scene. As the kids desperately try to protect their new friend, E.T. lifts them all into the sky, soaring through the clouds on their bicycles. What results on screen is a stunning silhouette of a boy and his alien-friend, illuminated only by the full moon. Visually, the scene is breathtaking, but also conveys the captivating connection between two friends who couldn’t be more different from the outside, but are alike on the inside.